I am confused as to which MP3 player should I buy. I am strongly in favor of the iPod primarily because of the aftermarket accessories, integration kits and overall support it has in the industry. eg; For iPod integration with the TL as outlined on the forum;

Blitzsafe HON/M-Link1 V.2X
USA Spec PA11-HON2
Valor iLink
Acura MusicLink

Are there any other personal/portable MP3 player's in the market that have any specialized integration kits (non-aux) for the TL, other than the iPod? Whatever device I buy, I want to make sure that my investment is protected in the future.

Initially I plan to connect the MP3 player to the audio system using the cassette adapter. Any suggestions for a good Casette Adapter? (make/model)

At some point in the future, I would like to use one of the popular integration kits available for the TL. Hopefully someday we will have a integration kit that supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP (Audio) profile

Talking about the iPod, the new 6th Gen iPod Video/Nano/Shuffle were anounced a short while ago. Looks like this would be my best bet at this point in time. Any experiences on which form the iPod Video or Nano is more easier to use while driving (regardless of memory capacity) , or better for furture integration via specialized interface?

 

I'm glad you are doing some research on this.

I have not seen any other portable MP3 players that have specialized integration kits for the TL. The iPod is the most popular and it looks like its here to stay.

Out of the kits you've mentioned above, I would recommend the USA Spec PA11-HON2y. This has both the iPod connector and a more universal aux input. With the new y version, the Y cable adapter is integrated so you can keep XM.

As for cassette adapters, I think I've read good reviews on the Sony one. You can search on "cassette" and check out the details.

The only difference I can think of between the iPod Video and the Nano (for driving purposes) is size. Both have basically the same interface. The iPod Video has the bigger screen and scroll wheel.

This will all change if a better integration kit comes out. We won't even need to touch the iPod anymore.

 

Thanks for the info. Interestingly, I found the following on the net; A bluetooth cassette adapter;

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/inde...30f5c19b329755

Unfortunately, I scanned the net and could not find it on sale anywhere. I wonder what happened.

 

To choose between the Nano and Video just analyze what other ways you are going to use it. I workout often so the Nano was a better fit for me, its also more comfortable to control it one handed in the car. I would never use the video function on the Video, hell I don't even use the picture function on the Nano.

All around I feel the ipod is tops

 

What Phone do you have that has the A2DP profile, Chocolate?

 

I have a Sony Ericsson T610 which has bluettoth v1.1 with the handsfree profile. I do not mind buying a phone / MP3 player that supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP profile.

 

I wonder how come no one has though about the following bluetooth mod;

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProdu...duct_ID=202395

All one would need to do is connect the bluetooth receiver to one of your existing aux-in ports (PIE X3, USAspec, etc.) and the accessory unit onto you iPod.

One thing for sure, Bluetooth v1.2 with the A2DP profile that it supports has some limitations in the terms of the data transfer speed. Nonetheless, this would be an interesting mod. Another challenge would be the power source as the power requirements are;

Typical Operating Current: 40mA
AC Power: 12V @ 1.0A

Any takers?

 

While an interesting unit, this would be rather pointless as it simply replaces a cable (For $179) and in the case of the USASpec would prevent you from controlling the ipod via the car.

Honestly I think the overall best solution right now is an ipod of your choice with the USASpec PA11-HON2Y. You get all the convenience of the ipod with control (albeit limited) of the ipod from the car, and get another aux in. The other main solutions(the musiclink doesn't count because it is a piece of crap) JUST give you audio from the ipod with no control.

 

If I were to do it all again, I might have gone with the Harmon & Kardon Drive and Play

Who knows you might see some of my stuff on the black market in the next few weeks so I can make the change

 

Not really because it also supports the AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile). This standard profile allows you to control devices using a remote/controller. In this case the remote/controller will control the iPod/MP3 player playback functions. Here's some more info from the web;

AVRCP - Audio/Video Remote Control Profile
Based on the GAP Profile, it uses a Controller (CT) - PDA, computer mobile phone etc., that sends a command to a Target (TG) - TV, discman, headphone etc. The command can be to Play, record, colour control, volume control etc., depending on the nature of the devices involved and the scenario. The commands are transported by a new additional protocol, called the Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol (AVCTP). Some scenarios defined are Remote Control from a Separate Controller, Remote Control and Audio Stream Between Two Devices, Remote Controller with LCD.

The good thing about this setup is that you would achieve true interoperability accross a variety of bluetooth capable devices that support AVRCP and A2DP. One does not really have to depend on iPod. Imagine how nice it would be to have a PDA phone with bluetooth supporting the Handset, Handsfree, A2DP and AVCRP profiles. Just one device integrated with you with your car for all your needs.

The only drawback that I see is that you may not be able to use device specific features like 'Search' functionality. Although, AVRCP/A2DP is capable of additionally supporting vendor specific extensions. Also, device specific solutions like the Valor iLink will anyday give you the best possible solution with video integration capabilities, but at a significant cost and at the expense of interoperability.


I would definitely be interested in a more capable personal media player like the IUBI2500

http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/...oducts_id=1478

BTW .. the Tunestage is available for $110 online.

I think this should definitely make for an interesting mod.